Automated fiber placement system technology for thermoplastic composites

Based on the automated fiber placement(AFP)in-situ curing technology of thermoplastic composite (TPC), we researched AFP system technology of thermoplastic composites, analyzed the functional requirements of AFP platform, proposed the overall planning scheme of platform, designed and developed the automatic prototype head of thermoplastic composites, meanwhile, proposed the schemes of tension control for prepreg, precise sending prepreg and closed-loop control for temperature. On this basis, feasibility verification experiments for the AFP system have been carried out to testify feasibility of the planning scheme and practical value of the platform. The results show that the experimental platform optimizes the matching of tension and laying speed, realizes the dynamic constant tension laying of prepreg and ensures the quality of the molding component according to the laying characteristics of thermoplastic composites. The experimental platform regulates the coordination of laying speed and sending prepreg to achieve precise positioning and security molding component size. The relationship between laying speed, heat power and heat flux distribution was established to realize high precision temperature field distribution control. Although the mechanical properties for AFP molding component are lower than those of hot moulded component, the AFP platform will lay foundation for wide use of AFP system technology in thermoplastic composites.